In the first two terms of the Professional Business Diploma, our students are introduced to a wealth of skills and knowledge across the curriculum, with up to 20 hours per week of tutored lessons. In the final term of the course, the knowledge and practical skills they have learned so far across the five curriculum modules are put into real-life workplace practice in a “Dragon’s Den” style startup business project.
These modules include advanced Microsoft Office 365 and digital literacy skills, as well as digital marketing, event management, business knowledge, and professional communication skills.
The teamwork required on the project also means students have to consider and apply what they have learnt about themselves so far in the personal development planning module, which focuses primarily on soft-skill development.
The project culminates in a formal business pitch to a team of “dragons” (OMBS tutors!) in the penultimate week of term, with students pitching a startup business idea, including development of a brand, a website, and a marketing launch plan.
Workplace Business Skills Acquired Through Practical Application
We know from many years of teaching young people that workplace skills are embedded and mastered through practical application. This project enables our students to apply what they have learned so far in a small start-up business idea that they come up with themselves.
Our student cohort is split into small groups of 3-4, decided by tutors at the start of the term. This means they have to work as a team with peers they do not know as well as their friends, much like the reality of the workplace.
They are also required to apply their knowledge of Belbin Team Roles throughout the project, to ensure that they work smoothly together as a team, playing to their strengths to complete the numerous group assignments they are set.
Their goal is to develop a startup business idea and pitch for a £50k investment from the “dragons” in the final presentation.
Business Skills Assessment Throughout The Project
The project requires students to submit a range of documentation across the modules for assessment purposes, with assignments being completed and submitted as a group, as opposed to individually.
The assignments encompass –
- The definition of their company overview and values, submitted in a Digital Presentation Document
- Competitor analysis
- Design of a workspace for their business, including an equipment expenditure report
- Invoicing documentation
- Company meeting minutes and agendas
- Market research, user personas, and a digital marketing launch plan
- Customer communication – letterheads, email signatures, and business cards
- Company and sector factsheets
- Website creation with an AI element
- Company branding style guide and logo
- A launch event plan, including forecasted budget
- Creative business digital mood boards
- Creation of a job advertisement and job description for the vacancy page of their business website
The “Dragons Den” Pitch Week – A Chance To Practise Business Presentation And Speaking Skills
In the final week of the project, students present a formal business pitch to the “dragons” – a panel of tutors who question them about their business and the materials they submit with their business portfolio on the day.
Students can get really creative at this stage of the project. They can build branded mood boards for the pitch room and bring their businesses to life with materials and samples for the dragons to see, taste and touch – much like the TV programme!
In recent years, dragons have tasted cocktails for a sustainable pasta straw business, eaten cupcakes from a bamboo potty business for toddler toilet training, and could touch and feel various outfits put together by a sustainable rental fashion business.
Groups present their pitch on their feet for no less than 15 minutes, putting into practice the formal presentation speaking skills gained from the business module. Each team member must take an equal part in the presentation – there is no place to hide in the pitch room!
Students are then assessed on the clarity, structure, and flow of the presentation delivery, presentation timings, their responses to questions, branding clarity, quality of materials presented, and their overall creativity. They are also assessed on both verbal and nonverbal communication, so everything counts in the pitch room!
OMBS Students Showcase Their Skills In Pitch Week
Over the academic year, tutors see a combination of hard work and excitement building towards the pitch presentations.
Students demonstrate the ability to prioritise tasks and assignments as the workflow builds up towards the end of the term. Results are delivered through effort, teamwork, and great communication with their peers, all of which are a joy to see.
On the final presentation days, tutors are always highly impressed with the confidence students have developed while studying for the diploma. To hear them presenting and speaking clearly, standing in front of the panel confidently as individuals, is a true testament to their learning and skill development at the end of the course.
If you would like to find out more about the Professional Business Diploma click here or contact our Director of Admissions, Sarah Badger at sarahb@oxfordbusiness.co.uk
